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Associated Press (AP) reported on July 1, 2016 that preliminary government data released this month showed traffic fatalities surged last year. Even though there have been vehicle design improvements and advancements in traffic safety, the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Administration) says that preliminary estimates show fatalities rose 7.7 percent to about 35,200 in 2015. This makes 2015 the deadliest driving year since 2008. 

What are the primary causes of the rise in traffic deaths? 

The overwhelming cause of accidents was driver error, according to CNN. 94 percent of the deaths could be blamed on the driver rather than road conditions or a problem with the vehicle’s equipment. 

1. More drivers on the road

Safety experts say, according to the New York Daily News, that there are several reasons for the rebound in fatalities, the most significant being an improved economy and low gas prices. 3.1 trillion miles were driven in 2015. 

The national average price of gas in 2015 was $2.40 per gallon, which was the second-cheapest annual average of the past decade, according to AAA (American Automobile Association). It was about 94 cents per gallon less than the annual average in 2014, which also saw the lowest number of traffic deaths, 32,675, since Harry Truman was president reported Pennsylvania’s Centre Daily Times. 

2. Speeding

An increase in average speed is directly related to the likelihood of a crash occurring and to the severity of its consequences. Worldwide, speeding is a contributing factor in about 31 percent of all fatal crashes, which equates to nearly 14,000 lives per year lost in the United States alone, according to Bloomberg.org. 

3. Driving under the influence 

Nearly 31percent of all traffic-related deaths in the United States involve an alcohol-impaired driver.  Drugs other than alcohol are involved in about 16 percent of motor vehicle crashes, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control). 

4. Failure to wear seat belts 

More than half (53 percent-59 percent) of teens (13-19 years) and adults aged 20-44 years who died in crashes in 2014 (latest available statistics from NHTSA) were unrestrained at the time of the crash. 

5. Distracted driving 

Drivers are texting, face-timing, taking selfies and posting on Facebook while trying to keep one eye on the road. Some studies suggest that telephone conversations, even with hands-free technology, can be highly distracting. Although many states have laws prohibiting handheld cellphone use, no states ban all cellphone use, according to Fortune Magazine 9/15/2015. 

What is being done to prevent traffic deaths? 

“We’re seeing red flags across the U.S., and we’re not waiting for the situation to develop further,” said Dr. Mark Rosekind, NHTSA Administrator. “It’s time to drive behavioral changes in traffic safety and that means taking on new initiatives and addressing persistent issues like drunk driving and failure to wear seat belts.”

 Jonathan Adkins, executive director of the Governors Highway Safety Association, called the increase "alarming." “The good news is that the solutions to reducing traffic deaths aren’t a mystery. They include strong laws coupled with highly-visible law enforcement and robust public education campaigns.”

“If you or a loved one has been involved in a motor vehicle accident, contact the experienced team at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.,” said Fort Myers Automobile Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Automobile Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.